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Professional Training
The Atkinson Centre works to build collaboration between early childhood education training, teacher training and graduate studies focused on strengthening early learning professionals’ skills, knowledge and expertise. Innovation, a strong policy framework, pedagogical leadership and curriculum expertise are central to ensuring excellence in early learning programs. Programs such as the MA in Child Study and Education and the MEd in Developmental Psychology and Education, combine theory and research with opportunities for applied practice.
This year, there will be five Atkinson Early Childhood Policy Development Internships for graduate students working with faculty in the Atkinson Centre and in policy-related organizations in the community.
Partnerships with other post secondary training institutions have also been established to ensure that further development of the early learning profession is supported with the most current knowledge based in evidence-based practice.
Jump to:
- Master of Arts in Child Study & Education
- Master of Education in Developmental Psychology & Education
- PhD in Developmental Psychology and Education Early Learning Cohort (flexible-time option)
- School of Early Childhood at George Brown College
- The Science of Early Child Development
Master of Arts in Child Study & Education
The Master of Arts Program in Child Study and Education at the Institute of Child Study combines a Master of Arts degree with elementary teacher certification. The program offers intensive practicum placements in our on-site Laboratory School as well as in public and independent school settings; you can also choose to concentrate in the areas of special education and/or early childhood.
Master of Education in Developmental Psychology & Education
The Developmental Psychology & Education (DPE) program provides an opportunity for students to construct an overall perspective on developmental psychology and human development and their implications for practice with children in educational and other applied settings. The DPE program offers an M.Ed. degree program, usually taken on a part-time basis, designed primarily for students who are teaching in the school system or working in early childhood education settings, in community literacy programs or in settings with children or adults with disabilities.
PhD in Developmental Psychology and Education Early Learning Cohort (flexible-time option)
This flexible-time option Cohort in Early Learning is based on the platform of the Developmental Psychology and Education (DPE) PhD degree in the Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology (HDAP) at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. This new Early Learning option allows working professionals to take part in a part time degree program, while building intellectual and social connections with a diverse and stimulating cohort of student colleagues and with faculty through face-to-face and on-line supports.
School of Early Childhood at George Brown College
The School of Early Childhood at George Brown College prepares students to provide young children with the very best care and education. Building on its recognised strengths in applying theory and research in real settings, the Centre provides future early childhood educators with a solid foundation in the theory of childhood development and practical experience working with children and families.
The Science of Early Child Development
The Science of Early Child Development is an interactive online curriculum resource that looks at: The new framework for understanding child development; how everyday experiences affect children’s biological pathways with long-term outcomes on health, learning and behaviour; why people who work with children and families should understand the science of early development; how what we do when children are little affects the long-term health and well-being of children and of entire populations; and how we can narrow the gap between research and practice.